Interactive floor plan: Campodels House, Chur

This blog post details the radical transformation of an old house and barn in Charrat, Valais, Switzerland, into a single-family home by Clavien Rossier architects. The project involved a significant overhaul, retaining only certain original elements like the cellar and existing levels, while demolishing a substantial portion of the old structure to make way for a contemporary design. The architects introduced a striking geometric clean shape to the renovated building, integrating functional elements throughout the design. A key alteration was the replacement of the original pitched roof with an ochre-tinted concrete volume, which now sits atop the building. This change contributes to the home's distinct aesthetic. Further modifications included making the upper-level walls thinner and enlarging window openings to maximize natural light ingress. The windows feature angled walls, which create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow within the interior spaces, adding to the home's unique character. The internal arrangement deviates from traditional layouts, with the architects opting for a corridor-less plan. This design strategy relocates circulation paths towards the building's exterior outline, along the external walls, which results in the top floors' rooms not being fully separated from each other. This open-plan approach fosters a sense of continuity and spaciousness. The first floor of the transformed residence is dedicated to communal areas, designed for family interaction and gathering. In contrast, the top floor houses the bedrooms, each strategically positioned to offer framed views of the surrounding Swiss mountains through large windows. This integration of the natural landscape into the living experience is a prominent feature of the design. The exterior of the house, clad in stone, complements the novel interior layout, creating a cohesive and visually appealing structure. The project showcases a thoughtful blend of preservation and modern architectural intervention, resulting in a unique and functional family home that stands out in its setting. The design by Clavien Rossier architects exemplifies an innovative approach to renovation, where historical context meets contemporary design principles to create a distinctive living space. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #SwissArchitecture #ClavienRossier #Renovation #ContemporaryHome #InteriorDesign #Valais

Arc House, a private residence designed by East Hampton-based Maziar Behrooz Architecture, is the latest offering from the firm, catering to a couple and their two dogs. The defining feature of the house is its striking curved roof, which emerged from a blend of practical and aesthetic considerations. The property's location, directly beneath a flight path and adjacent to a train track, necessitated a design solution that could mitigate noise pollution while simultaneously fulfilling the owners' desire for a self-supporting, column-free interior with a seamless flow. The architects adopted an industrial building technology approach, creating a hangar-type space to address both the noise issue and the need for an expansive, uninterrupted internal volume. The design aimed to create a feeling of airiness and comfort, while maintaining a homely atmosphere. Maziar Behrooz achieved this by carefully selecting a curve size for the roof. Complementing this, two large openings were strategically placed on opposing sides of the curved structure. These openings provide picturesque views of the landscaped garden and the surrounding natural environment, and also allow for visual connections through different sections of the house. The architectural layout distinctly separates the private and social areas of the residence. The main living spaces, which include areas for displaying the owner's art collection, are situated beneath the expansive curved roof. In contrast, the bedrooms are housed within an adjacent structure characterized by a flat roof, ensuring privacy. The lower level of Arc House is dedicated to functional and recreational spaces, incorporating an office, a sitting room, a garage, and a gym. Sustainability and energy efficiency were integral to the construction of Arc House. The design incorporates various energy-saving techniques and materials. These include the use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), high-thermal windows, and closed-cell foam insulation. These features collectively contribute to a structure that not only presents an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable living environment but also significantly reduces energy consumption compared to conventionally built homes of comparable size. The integration of these elements showcases a holistic approach to modern residential architecture, balancing innovative design with environmental responsibility and occupant well-being. #ArcHouse #MaziarBehroozArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #CurvedRoof #SustainableArchitecture #EastHampton #ArchitecturalInnovation #EnergyEfficiency #ModernHomeDesign

The 'Spiral' House, a modern extension to an old French countryside residence, showcases Powerhouse Company's design approach to integrating new architecture with existing structures. The project is located in Burgundy's rural landscape on a 13,000m2 property, centered around an original farmhouse. The extension adds 200sqm to the property, primarily to accommodate new guest rooms for the family. The design is characterized by its 'spiral' form, where an arm of the extension extends from the main house's upper floor, twisting down to the ground. This creates a loosely defined inner courtyard between the long volume of the extension and the existing farmhouse. The architectural challenge addressed in this project was the coexistence of the old and the new. Powerhouse Company opted for a bold, yet well-considered design that contrasts with the traditional architecture of the original farmhouse. The extension's form facilitates a dialogue between the structures, rather than a direct mimicry. The client was actively involved in the design process, leading to a high-ceilinged, elongated structure featuring glass walls on one side to maximize openness and connection to the surroundings. The lower end of the extension houses a living room and library, providing additional communal space for the main residence. The more private upper end contains two guest suites, ensuring privacy for visitors. An internal staircase runs parallel to the extension's inner outline, accommodating its gentle inclination and maintaining the fluid, organic feel of the design. The patio, formed by the spiral's curve, serves as a subtle homage to the region's traditional 'Clos' courtyards, which are common in local enclosed vineyards. This patio also functions as the complex's main entrance, skillfully blending the old and new sections of the property. The elevated volume of the extension helps to seamlessly merge the interior spaces with the external garden and the surrounding parkland, enhancing the sense of integration with nature. The extension by Powerhouse Company is designed for both openness and a skillful combination of indoor and outdoor environments, making it an integral part of the overall complex. The design visually and physically connects guests with the natural landscape of Burgundy, fostering an immersive experience. Additionally, the project successfully links the historical elements of the farmhouse with contemporary architectural design, aiming to make guests feel fully incorporated into the family's life and the home's history. The blend of functionality, aesthetic contrast, and respect for the site's context defines the 'Spiral' House as a notable example of modern architectural intervention. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #ModernExtension #FrenchCountryside #PowerhouseCompany #SpiralHouse #ArchitecturalDesign #Burgundy #InteriorExteriorIntegration

The Chilmark Guest House in Massachusetts, designed by Charles Rose Architects, is a compact guest cabin spanning 800 sq ft. It is situated on a steep slope overlooking a clearing and Vineyard Sound, with its design focused on maximizing views through large windows and balconies, creating an open and light-filled atmosphere. The house features two bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, positioned at opposite ends, and a shared kitchen and dining area. Additional living spaces include a cellar, porch, and roof terrace. The selection of natural materials such as pigmented concrete, stone, copper, cedar, and fir for the exterior, and teak, mahogany, and cork for the interior, enhances the connection to the outdoors and the building's delicate character. The article also showcases several other examples of compact, nature-integrated homes. The Sol Duc Cabin by Olson Kundig Architects in West Washington demonstrates a balance between openness and resilience. Its design allows for expansive views of the wilderness, while robust steel panels can seal the structure, providing a bunker-like defense against severe weather. The cabin is elevated on four steel pillars to prevent flooding, and its interior, warmed by leftover wood, features a simple layout with living and kitchen areas on the lower level and a bedroom on the mezzanine. A covered balcony provides a sheltered space to enjoy the surroundings. Pobble House, designed by Guy Holloway Architects and located in the Dungeness headland, is characterized by three distinct volumes clad in larch, Corten steel, and cement. A glazed sliding door in the open-plan living area connects directly to the outdoors, retracting completely into wall pockets. The interior design emphasizes neutral tones and discreet furnishings, ensuring the focus remains on the sparse natural landscape. The house, capable of accommodating up to ten guests, is constructed with a timber-frame, synthetic waterproofing, and durable exterior cladding, designed to age gracefully and integrate with its natural environment. Fonte Boa House in Portugal features a white rendered façade, reflecting local architectural traditions, with strategically placed windows to optimize internal views. Its concrete pad foundations minimally impact the landscape. The interior employs a simple palette of white walls and timber floors, complemented by integrated furniture to maintain a clutter-free space. Notable design elements include a frameless glass façade in the living room offering dramatic views and a glass lobby at the entrance facilitating a smooth transition from outside to inside. The semi-sunken carpark with concrete retaining walls provides a buffer from the main road, and a hallway on the first floor, with a pitched ceiling, resembles an art gallery. The Houl, a net-zero carbon dwelling in Dumfriesshire, reinterprets the traditional Scottish 'longhouse'. Designed by Simon Winstanley Architects, it sits on a west-facing slope overlooking the River Ken valley. This lightweight steel and timber-frame structure is clad in untreated cedar, allowing it to weather naturally. Its low-slung design, with long monopitched roofs, follows the hillside's contours. The house incorporates PassivHaus standards of insulation and a reflective thermal membrane to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. The main living areas are oriented to capture valley views, while ancillary spaces are recessed at the rear, demonstrating a commitment to both environmental sustainability and aesthetic integration with the landscape. Finally, the Wood Cabin by Atelier St, nestled in the pinewoods of the March of Brandenburg, presents a fairytale-like appearance with its dark wood façade, pitched roof, and small chimney. The exterior is clad in dark brown glazed pinewood, contrasting with a white-painted interior. Large picture windows illuminate the space, and a ladder leads to a gallery level. The cabin includes a custom-built pinewood kitchen, two bedrooms, and one bathroom. #ResidentialArchitecture #GuestHouse #CabinDesign #SustainableArchitecture #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #LandscapeIntegration

The Quad Space House project, located in Buffalo's Black Rock neighbourhood, serves as a compelling example of student-led architectural innovation addressing urban housing challenges. Initiated by four students from the University of Buffalo's School of Architecture and Planning—Michael-John Bailie, Paul Dudkowski, Ernest Ng, and Dan Stripp—the project transformed a dilapidated house, purchased for a modest $6,500, into a functional and aesthetically pleasing living space. This undertaking not only provided the students with housing but also showcased their entrepreneurial spirit and design skills in the face of America's ongoing housing crisis. Originally a brick-built, two-storey structure spanning 700 square feet, the house presented a significant design challenge due to its small footprint, particularly by European standards. The students meticulously remodelled the property to maximize living space, ensure privacy, and enhance functionality within the limited area. A key design element involves creating four distinct sleeping areas, each measuring 7 x 7 x 7.5 feet. This dimension adheres to New York State's minimum requirements for bedroom size, demonstrating a practical approach to spatial efficiency. These sleeping areas are conceived as 'cubes,' which are architecturally articulated by protruding through the original brick façade, making their presence visible from the exterior. Inside, the house is characterized by a high level of craftsmanship, utilizing low-cost materials to achieve a sophisticated interior. The students sourced fixtures and fittings from Buffalo ReUse, a local nonprofit salvage yard, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness. Furthermore, local businesses contributed materials and labor free of charge, reflecting a community-wide effort to support the university project and revitalize the neighborhood. This collaborative approach underscores the project's embeddedness within its local context and its contribution to community development. Despite its modest size, the Quad Space House achieves a sense of spaciousness through thoughtful design choices. Open-plan living areas, high ceilings, minimal detailing, and expansive windows contribute to an airy and uncluttered interior. The integration of underfloor heating further enhances the clean lines of the design, avoiding bulky radiators. The project received guidance from four thesis advisors, including Mehrdad Hadighi of Studio for Architecture, ensuring academic rigor and professional oversight. The Quad Space project exemplifies how architectural education can actively engage with and contribute to local communities, ensuring that design innovation is applied to real-world problems and remains accessible rather than confined to academic discourse. #QuadSpaceHouse #StudentArchitecture #BuffaloHousing #UrbanRenewal #SustainableDesign #CommunityProject #ArchitecturalInnovation #SmallSpaceLiving

The article presents Stable Acre House, a residential project by architect David Kohn, located in Norfolk. David Kohn, a graduate of Cambridge and Columbia University, established his London studio in 2007. His practice quickly gained recognition, winning the Young Architects of the Year award just two years after its inception, following his notable work at Caruso St John, where he contributed as a project architect for award-winning projects like the Museum of Childhood and Gagosian Gallery. Stable Acre House is described as Kohn's most recent work, characterized by its minimal and respectful approach to a stable conversion. The design was created for London-based gallerist Stuart Shave. The house is situated within the remains of a 19th-century stable complex. It features a long, orthogonal brick structure composed of an agglomeration of different volumes. The design incorporates an open living space positioned between two smaller pavilions. These pavilions include entrance areas and the private quarters of the house. The materials chosen for the construction are intentionally simple, consisting of oak cladding, a metal roof, a concrete floor, and white-painted brick. The architect notes that the contemporary construction and material choices serve to complete what was originally a functional ruin, integrating new elements with the historical structure. This project represents the practice's first significant residential commission. Alongside Kohn's temporary rooftop venue, Skyroom, which was installed on the Architecture Foundation HQ in Southwark, Stable Acre House has cemented his reputation in the architectural field. The article features multiple illustrations that provide a visual tour of the property, showcasing various rooms and design elements. These illustrations depict the living room, a dining area integrated with the living space, a single bedroom, a work area complete with a desk and bookshelf, another bedroom, and a bathroom. An interactive floor plan is also mentioned, allowing for a detailed exploration of the layout. The visual content supports the description of the house's minimalist aesthetic and the careful integration of contemporary design within the existing historical framework. The article also includes additional images of other design-related content, such as 'The Savoy, London' which underwent an extensive renovation, highlighting its restored elegance, the Beaufort Bar, and its new logo. Other visual elements include various works by Brent Dzekciorius, Raw Edges, and Seongyong Lee, covering diverse design objects from furniture and installations to tableware and lighting fixtures. These additional sections, while not directly related to Stable Acre House, offer a broader context of contemporary design and architecture, showcasing a range of talents and projects previously featured by the publication. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #StableConversion #DavidKohn #Norfolk #MinimalistAesthetic #ArchitecturalRenovation #ContemporaryConstruction #InteriorDesign

The Gable Clerestory House, designed by Sonelo Design Studio in Melbourne, Australia, is a 170 m² residential project completed in 2022. It integrates a contemporary family home behind a facade that quietly harmonizes with the surrounding red brick Federation-era houses. The design approach focused on creating a dwelling that, while outwardly modest, reveals a dynamic and engaging interior inspired by mid-century aesthetics. The house is characterized by varied ceiling heights and strategic placement of windows to maximize natural light and views of the sky, creating a sense of openness and connection to the outside environment. The interior features an earthy color palette, which contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the living spaces. The project incorporates several key design elements to enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal. The use of clerestory windows is central to the design, allowing ample natural light to penetrate deep into the interior spaces, particularly in areas like the dining room and kitchen, without compromising privacy. This architectural feature also contributes to passive ventilation, aiding in temperature regulation within the home. The material selection emphasizes a combination of brick for the exterior, maintaining consistency with the neighborhood's character, and various internal finishes that contribute to the mid-century modern inspiration. Manufacturers such as AJAR, Artedomus, Artemide, Dulux, Elton Group, Enlightened Living, Fibonacci Stone, George Feathers & Co, and Porters Paints were involved in supplying materials and fixtures, indicating a focus on quality and specific aesthetic choices. Sonelo Design Studio, with Lead Architect Wilson Tang and Architect Elodie Lim, collaborated with Interior Stylist Jess Kneebone and builder Cale Peters Constructions. Inform Joinery was responsible for the joinery work, highlighting a detailed approach to custom interior elements. The design extends to various rooms, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen, each featuring thoughtful details such as specific lighting fixtures, shelving, and furniture choices that complement the overall design theme. Photographs by Pier Carthew capture the essence of the house, showcasing its brick facade, interior spaces, and the interplay of light and shadow. The layout and structural elements of the house are designed to optimize space and create distinct zones within the open-plan areas. The dynamic ceiling heights not only add visual interest but also define different functional zones, such as the dining area and kitchen, without the need for rigid partitions. The project reflects a careful consideration of site context, ensuring that the new structure respects and integrates with the historical fabric of the street while offering a modern living experience. The house serves as an example of how contemporary architectural interventions can coexist harmoniously with traditional urban settings, providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing home for its inhabitants. #HouseInteriors #ResidentialArchitecture #MidCenturyInspired #ClerestoryWindows #EarthyPalette #NaturalLight #MelbourneArchitecture #SoneloDesignStudio

The Courtyard House, designed by D'WELL, is a 920-square-meter farmhouse situated on the outskirts of Surat, India. Completed in 2024, the residence is conceived as a sanctuary for a family seeking a tranquil environment away from urban congestion, fostering a lifestyle integrated with nature and shared family moments. The design prioritizes a connection to the natural surroundings and the creation of intimate, well-lit spaces. The architectural approach emphasizes a contextual design, integrating the structure harmoniously with the site's natural elements. Key to this integration is the extensive use of locally sourced materials, contributing to both the aesthetic and environmental sustainability of the project. Concrete, a primary material, is employed for its thermal mass properties, which help regulate indoor temperatures in Surat's climate. This strategic material selection, combined with passive design strategies, aims to reduce the building's energy consumption. A central courtyard serves as the focal point of the house, influencing both its spatial organization and environmental performance. This open-air space enhances natural ventilation, allowing cool air to circulate throughout the interiors and mitigating the need for excessive artificial cooling. The courtyard also acts as a primary source of natural light, illuminating various rooms and reducing reliance on artificial lighting during the day. The arrangement of rooms around this central element fosters a sense of community and provides a private outdoor oasis for the residents. The interior layout features interconnected spaces that facilitate family interaction while also providing areas for individual retreat. Large openings and strategically placed windows blur the lines between indoor and outdoor environments, offering panoramic views of the landscape and drawing the garden's tranquility into the living spaces. The design incorporates minimalist aesthetics, characterized by clean lines and a neutral color palette, which accentuates the natural textures of the materials and the interplay of light and shadow. Sustainability is a core principle in the Courtyard House's design. Beyond material selection and passive cooling, the project likely incorporates other eco-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting or solar energy integration, although specific details are not provided. The objective is to create a living environment that is not only visually appealing but also ecologically responsible and conducive to well-being. The project reflects a growing trend in residential architecture towards designs that prioritize user comfort, environmental performance, and a strong connection to nature. By addressing the specific climatic conditions of Surat and the client's desire for a peaceful retreat, D'WELL has crafted a home that embodies thoughtful design and sustainable living principles. The Courtyard House stands as an example of how modern architecture can blend with local context to create functional, beautiful, and environmentally conscious spaces. #ResidentialArchitecture #CourtyardHouse #SustainableDesign #DWELLArchitects #SuratIndia #ModernArchitecture #NaturalVentilation #EcoFriendlyDesign

In the mountainous region of Bavaria, Germany, a distinctive holiday home known as Haus P offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional chalet. Designed by Stuttgart-based Yonder — Architektur und Design, this 2,680-square-foot residence serves as a rural retreat for a family of seven from Hamburg. The architects, Benedikt Bosch and Katja Knaus, drew inspiration from classic Allgäu chalet-style homes, adapting the form into a modern, sculptural structure. The house is strategically positioned on a gentle slope in the German alpine region of Allgäu. Its exterior features charred wooden siding, which not only provides a natural, weathered appearance but also offers eco-friendly weather protection, contributing to a cool, dark-grey aesthetic. This charred wood contrasts effectively with core-insulated exposed concrete used for the foundations of the basement level, establishing a solid plinth for the timber structure above. The combination of these materials creates a two-toned facade that is both visually striking and functionally robust. The unique geometry of Haus P is a result of maximizing the property’s allowable building envelope. Bosch explains that the design conceptually originates from a classic chalet form with a shallow gabled roof and a full lower level, from which an oblique section was strategically removed along its central axis. This incision effectively divides a single building into two primary components: the main house and a separate storage shed, creating a protected courtyard in the intervening space for outdoor activities. Access to the main entrance is provided by cantilevering stairs along the slanted rear façade, leading to this courtyard. The interior spaces are characterized by their cool, lofty ambiance and an emphasis on pure and simple aesthetics. Wood, a prevalent building material in the region, is extensively used for the home's structural framework and interior finishes. The double-height ground level accommodates the open-plan communal areas, including the kitchen, living, and dining spaces. A large picture window in this area frames stunning views of the surrounding mountains, integrating the natural landscape into the living experience. A modern, minimalistic concrete fireplace is a focal point in the living area. The lower level, or garden basement, is functional and well-appointed, housing two guest rooms, a sauna, and a bathroom, offering practical amenities for a large family or guests. Stairs within the house beautifully blend with the wooden walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a cohesive design. A built-in bench along the stairs provides a quiet spot for reflection, while an upper-level loft serves as an idyllic space for reading or stargazing through its picture windows. The canted shape of the building contributes to these commodious interior spaces with high ceilings, enhancing the overall sense of openness and light within the home. #ChaletInspiredHome #ModernArchitecture #GermanAlps #CharredWoodSiding #ConcreteDesign #HolidayHome #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

Villa Geldrop, a recently completed residential project by Amsterdam-based architects Hofman Dujardin, is situated in a suburb outside Eindhoven in the Netherlands. The dwelling initially appears to be a simple, even generic, house shape. However, it is a spacious, ingeniously designed, and modern family home. The house is located on a large, flat site within the Dutch countryside. Its exterior is characterized by clean, geometric volumes, featuring a composition of dark cladding and glass surfaces that elegantly contrast with the surrounding green landscape. The interior layout of Villa Geldrop is straightforward and adheres to a clean, minimal aesthetic. The ground floor accommodates the living and dining areas, as well as the kitchen. The upper level, nestled beneath an angled roof, houses a study area. The design incorporates white interiors and generous openings, which contribute to the perception of a larger and brighter space, creating a seamless visual continuation with the surrounding countryside. This design strategy maximizes the feeling of openness and integrates the indoor and outdoor environments. A distinctive feature of Villa Geldrop is its subterranean extension. A few steps lead from the main house volume to a pair of underground structures. These volumes run parallel to the site's main pathway and opposite each other, effectively nearly doubling the house's overall floor space. This underground section is dedicated to the bedrooms. Between the two subterranean volumes, a small, semi-open patio at the lower level serves as a connector. This patio, along with the large glazed openings on the upper levels, ensures that the entire interior of the house is suffused with natural light, dispelling any potential for darkness often associated with underground spaces. The inclusion of this patio is crucial for both natural light and ventilation within the lower levels. Villa Geldrop was designed for a local businessman as a family home. The architectural design successfully achieves a balance between comfort and contemporary style. Hofman Dujardin's layout is praised for its clever arrangement, which maximizes spatial effect and functionality, demonstrating an effective solution despite any practical constraints that may have been present during the design and construction phases. The house stands as an example of thoughtful modern residential architecture. #VillaGeldrop #HofmanDujardin #DutchArchitecture #ModernHome #UndergroundExtension #ArchitecturalDesign #Eindhoven #FamilyHome #ResidentialArchitecture

The article showcases Villa Metamorphosis, an architectural project by Japanese architect Ben Ryuki Miyagi, located in Ulster County, upstate New York. The property began as a 1960s shack-like house and has undergone a significant transformation into an eccentric two-bedroom villa, fitting for its proximity to the artistic community of Woodstock. The villa is situated on a one-acre plot with rolling lawns and woodlands, providing a scenic and secluded environment that was crucial to Miyagi's design philosophy, aiming for a building that could serve as a photographic object within the landscape. Miyagi's 18-month extension project introduced several distinctive features. One end of the house now incorporates three top-lit, curved domes. These domes are designed to enhance natural light within the interior while simultaneously providing privacy by blocking views of an adjacent property. The exterior cladding of the domes consists of hand-cut asphalt shingles, arranged in a pattern resembling fish scales and secured by white battening. This design was inspired by Frank Stella's Black Series paintings, demonstrating an artistic influence on the architectural aesthetics. At the opposite end of the villa, the bedrooms receive natural light through four translucent polycarbonate louvres. These louvres are uniquely shaped like beaks and offer both illumination and privacy due to their opacity. The front facade of the house is finished with black stucco, and the original windows have been replaced with frameless glass openings. Miyagi describes these openings as featuring "hieroglyphic geometries" that evoke an East Asian sensibility, blending cultural influences into the design. Beyond the main structure, Miyagi integrated three additional features into the grounds to enhance the landscape and define sight-lines. The first is a long structure adjacent to the house, functioning as an extended hallway that leads to a small room with an open roof, known as the House of Solitude. This structure also serves as a fence, framing the view across the fields while acting as a visual barrier against neighboring houses. The second addition is a symbolic structure composed of four towers, resembling an inverted torii, which is a traditional Japanese temple gate. This element further integrates Miyagi's cultural background into the American landscape. The third feature is a concrete deck positioned in front of the house, which includes a void where one can sit. This feature is named the Sky Mirror because it collects rainwater, reflecting the sky and creating a dynamic interplay with the heavens. This stage-like structure also delineates the foreground boundary of the site. Miyagi emphasizes that these external objects are not merely decorative sculptures but serve pragmatic functions, acting as screens or defining spatial boundaries. He conceptualizes them as a "choreographed sequence of themes," which he refers to as the "Landscape of Geometric Mythology." This approach highlights a blend of functionality, artistic expression, and thematic coherence throughout the property. The architect acknowledges the combined elements create a poetic whole, even without explicit symbolic intent. #VillaMetamorphosis #BenRyukiMiyagi #Architecture #UpstateNewYork #ArchitecturalDesign #ModernArchitecture #LandscapeArchitecture #JapaneseInfluence

The Ahmed family, consisting of Mahfuza, her husband Mehran, and their toddler, sought a single-family home in Charlestown after outgrowing their Back Bay apartment. Mahfuza's extensive spice collection and frequent visits from her mother necessitated more space. They acquired a mid-19th-century Greek Revival row house, spanning 2,850 square feet. While the main structure largely met their needs, a narrow, two-story back wing, tapering to just 8 feet wide, presented an awkward layout and experienced vibrations during Mehran's treadmill workouts. To address these issues and create a dedicated gym and hangout area in the basement, as well as improve the second-floor layout, they enlisted Isamu Kanda of I-Kanda Architects. Kanda, known for expanding homes with limited footprints, transformed the previously dark and low-ceilinged basement. The basement ceiling, initially around 6 feet high with exposed pipes, was dramatically improved by excavating 30 inches down, with an additional 6 inches for a sunken gym area accommodating the treadmill and overhead exercises. Natural light was introduced into this subterranean space through a large, open stairwell built behind the main house, alongside the narrow wing. Granite stairs descend from the patio to an 11-foot-wide, floor-to-ceiling slider, providing direct access and ample light to the new underground rooms. The granite stairs and trim complement the existing granite window headers and sills on the house's exterior. Ipe-clad concrete planters lining the stairwell are designed for climbing vines, creating a natural 'green wall' to integrate the outdoors with the interior. The seating area in the basement benefits from abundant natural light, enhanced by polished floor tiles and a large mirror in the adjacent gym. A floor-to-ceiling glass wall separates the gym and seating areas, allowing light to pass through while minimizing noise, with an option for privacy curtains on an embedded ceiling track. On the first floor, the kitchen, located in the back wing, underwent cabinetry upgrades by Divine Design Center, preserving its original layout. A key improvement was the addition of pantry storage, achieved by installing cabinetry along the back wall that blends with the wall paneling. This extra storage, including space for Mahfuza's spices, helps maintain a tidy kitchen, often surprising guests who learn they have a toddler. This new cabinetry covered a mural painted by the previous owner's mother, a detail Mahfuza humorously anticipates someone discovering in the future. The added depth from the cabinets also improved the room's proportions and scale. A built-in bench was incorporated to maximize seating and define the eating area. Mahfuza also redecorated the dining and living rooms with new paint, furniture, and lighting. On the second floor, Kanda reconfigured the space near the primary bedroom and nursery, along with the entire rear wing. The original layout was problematic, requiring passage through a bathroom and laundry room to reach the back bedroom. Kanda converted the bathroom at the top of the main staircase into a hallway, incorporating a washer and dryer on one side. The former laundry room in the wing was transformed into a bright landing with floor-to-ceiling closets and a built-in bench. The rest of the wing was converted into a luxurious primary bathroom, featuring a checkerboard-patterned floor chosen by Mahfuza to avoid an overly modern aesthetic. A glass wall separates the vanity and toilet area from the wet room, which includes an overhead rain shower and a soaking tub positioned under a new skylight, infusing the space with sunlight. The architect's modifications successfully transformed what was once a convoluted layout into a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and well-lit home. #HomeRenovation #CharlestownRowHouse #BasementExcavation #ArchitecturalDesign #SpaceOptimization #HistoricHomeRemodel #InteriorDesign #NaturalLight #ModernLiving

Sacha Janke and Andrew McCormack, after spending their youth and subsequent summers renting in Woods Hole, acquired a beachfront property with the intention of establishing a permanent family retreat. The property, which had been uninhabited for some time, required the construction of a new shingle-style house, designed by architect Shope Reno Wharton, on the existing footprint. To define the interior aesthetic, the couple enlisted their friend, designer Douglas Graneto, who focused on integrating a vibrant color palette reflective of the coastal environment. Graneto employed various shades of blues and greens to bring the outdoor scenery indoors, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that moved beyond purely neutral tones, aligning with Janke and McCormack's preference for color. The home was conceived as a space for relaxation and togetherness, accommodating both adults and children. The kitchen functions as a central hub, frequently used by Janke and McCormack to prepare meals for large family and friend gatherings. It features pale green cabinets, specifically painted in Farrow & Ball's “Mizzle,” fitted with brass hardware, and counters and a backsplash made of Fantastico Arni marble. A cast-bronze sink complements a brass pot rack in the room's center, from which McCormack's collection of copper pots is displayed. The adjacent great room is furnished with a pair of vintage, curved Milo Baughman sofas, providing a comfortable gathering area. A window seat in a nearby nook was specifically deepened at Andrew's request to serve as an ideal napping spot. The couple’s strong affinity for Nordic design heavily influenced the aesthetic choices. This is evident in the vintage Swedish rug in the second-floor hallway, a Danish rosewood chair and ottoman in the primary bedroom, and Hans Wegner reproduction dining table and chairs made of raw oak, which are expected to develop a patina with age. Art is a significant element of the design, introducing color, drama, and conversation points throughout the rooms. To highlight these artworks, Graneto chose a neutral backdrop, painting the walls in Benjamin Moore's “Chantilly Lace” with Fine Paints of Europe white trim. Janke and McCormack share a passion for collecting art, often agreeing on selections, and enjoy sharing their diverse collection with their children and friends. The family celebrated their first summer in the house with a continuous flow of guests, indicating the success of the collaborative design process. A unique feature of the home is a concealed room under the stairs on the lower level, inspired by Janke's childhood home with its secret bookshelves. Douglas Graneto brought this idea to life with a Designers Guild wallcovering called “Enchanted Forest,” creating a delightful surprise for both children and adults. Key contributors to the project included Shope Reno Wharton as the architect, Ruth Catone Goulding as the art consultant, KVC Builders, Douglas Graneto Design for interior design, and Kaylei McGaw as the photo stylist. #WoodsHole #CapeCod #NordicDesign #NewEnglandHome #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #FamilyHome #ArtCollection #HiddenRoom

The H-House, located in a dense neighborhood in Surat, India, addresses the challenge of creating private living spaces that maintain a strong connection to nature. The design, conceptualized by Co.lab Design Studio, reverses the traditional bungalow-in-a-garden model by integrating gardens directly within the house's structure. This approach ensures that residents experience a continuous connection with green spaces, despite the urban setting. The project was completed in 2019 and spans an area of 19,375 square feet. The architectural strategy for the H-House focuses on intertwining the built environment with natural elements. The design incorporates various green spaces, such as courtyards, terraces, and internal gardens, which are seamlessly integrated into the floor plan. This allows natural light and ventilation to penetrate deep into the interior, enhancing the living experience. The choice of materials and the overall aesthetic contribute to a sense of openness and tranquility, contrasting with the busy surroundings. The house features a sophisticated interplay of concrete, glass, and wood. Large glass panels and strategically placed windows blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor areas, offering expansive views of the internal gardens and maximizing daylight penetration. Concrete elements are utilized for their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, providing a contemporary and robust framework. Wooden accents add warmth and natural texture to the interiors, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere. The interior layout is designed to facilitate a fluid progression through spaces, with each area offering unique visual and functional connections to the integrated green zones. Living areas, bedrooms, and common spaces are arranged around these natural pockets, ensuring privacy while fostering a sense of expansive living. The design emphasizes functionality and comfort, providing a luxurious and spacious home tailored to the owner's desire for a natural retreat within the city. Co.lab Design Studio acted as both the architects and landscape designers for the H-House, ensuring a cohesive vision for the project. Key consultants included Essact, Mandala Design Studio, and Malwawala Engineering Services Private Limited for consulting, and Sai Consultants for engineering. The photographs by Sebastian Zachariah capture the essence of the design, showcasing the integration of nature, the use of diverse materials, and the overall ambiance of the H-House. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseDesign #CoLabDesignStudio #Surat #India #IntegratedGardens #ModernArchitecture #ConcreteGlassWood #UrbanLiving #ArchitecturalPhotography

The article details the 'Division House' project, a new residential building designed by Takei Nabeshima Architects (TNA) for a couple from Tokyo, situated in the dense forest of Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The architects, Makoto Takei and Chie Nabeshima, faced the challenge of a lack of clear reference points in the vast forest, which is only five minutes from a busy motorway. Upon their initial visit, they could only identify a pond, a creek, and a spring well, with the slightly sloping ground being the only indication of their position at the foot of the Yatsugatake mountains. This disorientation inspired TNA to design the house itself as a navigational aid or 'signpost' within the environment. The design concept centers on integrating the house with its natural surroundings rather than separating from it. The building is arranged along a north-south axis. Its most distinctive feature is an asymmetrical pitched roof, which, when viewed from above, resembles an arrow, effectively turning the house into a compass. The main structure of the house consists of a large cube, accommodating essential living spaces such as the kitchen, living area, bedroom, and a sunroom. An adjoining smaller cube serves as an annex. The interior layout is strategically planned to frame specific views of the natural elements observed during their first visit. At ground level, the walls are positioned to direct views towards four distinct zones: the pond, the creek, the spring well, and the entrance road. Inside the main building, four cross-shaped walls further partition the space, mirroring how the exterior walls delineate the forest itself. This architectural choice reinforces the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. The materials used emphasize this immersion in nature, with the structure, internal walls, furniture, and window sashes all crafted from wood, creating a cohesive and natural aesthetic. Makoto Takei notes that this extensive use of wood ensures that residents experience a complete immersion in the forest while inside the house. Chie Nabeshima explains that the Division House does not push the forest away but instead defines it, creating 'spaces in-between the trees.' This approach allows the architecture to organize the seemingly endless forest into comprehensible segments, creating varied perceptions of distance and scale, such as 'small and close distances, big rooms and small rooms, this forest and that forest.' The project, updated in October 2022, exemplifies a thoughtful architectural response to a challenging natural site, turning a potential obstacle into a fundamental design principle that enhances the living experience. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #NaganoPrefecture #JapaneseArchitecture #TNAArchitects #ForestHouse #BiophilicDesign #SustainableMaterials #ArchitecturalInnovation